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Common group identity may motivate Americans to help integrate immigrants

A new study published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology found that white American citizens who believe in a common group identity are less racist toward immigrants and more likely to donate their time and money to help them integrate. This research suggests that acceptance of immigrants as equal members of society hi...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 14, 2015

CU Denver study shows direct link between ethnic discrimination and health

A CU Denver study reveals that experiencing racial discrimination during pregnancy can significantly impact a woman's physical health and pass these effects on to her infant. The research found an association between maternal ethnic discrimination and increased levels of stress hormones in pregnant women and their infants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJan 8, 2015

Discrimination, family conflict key sources of stress for Latina immigrants

New research suggests that racial discrimination, family issues, and economic constraints contribute to acculturative stress among Latina immigrants. Family support, however, acts as a protective factor against psychological distress. The study found that acculturative stress levels varied depending on individual circumstances.

Racism in healthcare linked to poor mental health

A VicHealth-funded survey found that nearly all Aboriginal Australians experienced racism in the past year, with racism in healthcare settings linked to high psychological distress. The study highlights the need for urgent action to address racism in healthcare and promote better mental health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJun 11, 2014

Thoughtful people more likely to infer improvements in race relations

New research by Jane L. Risen of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business shows that people are more likely to deny the persistence of racism after being exposed to a successful African American. Thoughtful individuals are particularly vulnerable to making quick inferences about racial disparity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 20, 2014

Scientific racism's long history mandates caution

Anthropologist Nina Jablonski warns of the dangers of using genomic knowledge to separate people based on genetic endowment or physical features, as it can lead to a new form of 'separate but equal.' She advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers human genetic admixture and individual variability.

Racism may accelerate aging in African-American men

A study found that racism-related factors, including high levels of racial discrimination and anti-Black bias, are associated with accelerated aging in African American men. This is measured by shorter leukocyte telomere length, a biomarker linked to increased risk of premature death and chronic disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 2014

Racism linked to depression and anxiety in youth

A review of 461 cases found strong associations between racism and detrimental health outcomes such as low self-esteem, reduced resilience, and behaviour problems in children and youth. The study identified an important issue that needs to be addressed in society, schools, and communities to improve child and youth health.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 17, 2013

Rewriting personal history by inventing racist roads not taken

A study by Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management found that people distort their memories and convince themselves they passed up opportunities for racism, even if none existed. This mental trick increases willingness to express less racially sensitive views and feel licensed to behave in questionable ways.

SourceNorthwestern University - Kellogg School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 4, 2012

The Obamas and the new politics of race

Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateJun 5, 2012

Study shows that, in restaurants, race matters

A North Carolina State University study reveals that over one-third of restaurant servers admit to discriminating against African-American customers, with many perceiving black patrons as impolite or poor tippers. The survey found that 38.5% of servers reported varying their service based on customers' race, highlighting the persistenc...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Black Studies·DateApr 23, 2012

Discrimination may harm your health, according to new Rice study

A new study by Rice sociologists finds that racial discrimination is associated with higher levels of emotional upset and physical symptoms among black adults (18%), compared to white adults (4%). The research highlights the need to acknowledge and study the impact of discriminatory behavior on long-term health outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJan 12, 2012

Link between racial discrimination and stress described in new study

Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher levels of oxidative stress, a potential pathway for cardiovascular and other age-related disease risks. The study suggests that psychological stress from racial discrimination may contribute to racial health disparities.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 14, 2011

Pigeons never forget a face

Researchers found that pigeons can recognize individual people using facial characteristics, even when wearing different clothing. This ability is likely an adaptation to their long association with humans, enabling them to distinguish between individuals.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 2, 2011

Despite efforts, not all Latino immigrants accepted as 'white,' sociological study shows

A new sociological study reveals that many Latino immigrants in the US face discrimination based on skin color, with relatively darker-skinned individuals earning less than their lighter-skinned counterparts. The study found that some Latinos attempt to assert a white racial identity, but those with darker skin and higher levels of int...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 2, 2010

Color-blind racial ideology linked to racism, both online and offline

A study by University of Illinois professor Brendesha Tynes found that white students with color-blind racial attitudes were more likely not to be offended by racially themed party images, while African-Americans were more likely to be bothered. The research suggests that color-blind racial ideology is detrimental to race relations on ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Diversity in Higher Education·DateApr 21, 2010

Mental health problems more common in kids who feel racial discrimination

A new study published in American Journal of Public Health found that 15% of fifth-grade students reported experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which may lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. The study highlights the need for parents, clinicians, and teachers to address this issue and provide...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 27, 2009

Reactions to racism not as strong as we think

A new study published in Science found that people's reactions to racist comments are much more muted than anticipated. The study, led by York University researchers, revealed that students were more likely to choose a partner who made a racist comment as a workmate, despite the comment being perceived as offensive.

SourceYork University·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2009